Information processing apparatus, program and information processing method

ABSTRACT

There is provided an information processing apparatus including a recording section recording data continuously acquired via a sensor; and a controlling section controlling a playback of record data recorded by the recording section, wherein, in response to a user input, the controlling section performs control such that the record data is played from a timing predated with reference to a timing of the user input.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, aprogram and an information processing method.

In recent years, information such as sound and image is one-sidedlyprovided in various situations. Typically, for example, sound and imageare provided by radio broadcast or television broadcast.

Even if the information such as sound and image is provided, it may failto be heard or watched. Also, even if the information is requested to hechecked as a result of failure to be heard or watched, in many cases, itis difficult to check it because the information is not provided again.Therefore, especially regarding a broadcast program, there is atechnique for checking a missed image again.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-109529 discloses aprogram record technique of, when a broadcast program channel is changedand subsequently returned to the previous channel again, enabling thebroadcast program to be watched from the latest playback which is beforechanging channel.

SUMMARY

However, in the technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-109529,in a case where it is possible to directly acquire information data suchas sound and image to be provided like a broadcast program, although itis possible to check the information again, it is difficult to recheckinformation such as sound and image that are one-sidedly provided invarious situations in an unexpected manner. For example, it is difficultto recheck information such as sound and image provided by a trainannouncement, an announcement in a shopping center, a barker from ashop, an advertisement, and so on.

Therefore, the present disclosure suggests a new and improvedinformation processing apparatus, program and information processingmethod that enable information such as sound and image one-sidedlyprovided in an unexpected manner to be checked.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is providedan information processing apparatus which includes: a recording sectionrecording data continuously acquired via a sensor; and a controllingsection controlling a playback of record data recorded by the recordingsection, in which, in response to a user input, the controlling sectionperforms control such that the record data is played from a timingpredated with reference to a timing of the user input.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there isprovided a program which causes a computer to function as: a recordingsection recording data continuously acquired via a sensor; and acontrolling section controlling a playback of record data recorded bythe recording section, in which, in response to a user input, thecontrolling section performs control such that the record data is playedfrom a timing predated with reference to a timing of the user input.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there isprovided an information processing method which includes: recording datacontinuously acquired via a sensor; and controlling a playback of recorddata recorded, in which, in response to a user input, the controllingincludes controlling to play the record data from a timing predated withreference to a timing of the user input.

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus,program and information processing method based on the embodiments ofthe present disclosure, it is possible to check information such assound and image one-sidedly provided in an unexpected manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an appearance view illustrating an example of an appearance ofa user apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanation diagram for explaining an example of a usagescene of a user apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofa user apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a schematic flow ofinformation processing according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an explanation diagram for explaining an example of recordsound data including a plurality of chapters divided on the time axis;

FIG. 6 is an explanation diagram for explaining an example at the timingof a playback of record sound data;

FIG. 7 is an appearance view illustrating an example of an appearance ofa user apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofa user apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a schematic flow ofinformation processing according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an explanation diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of an information processing system according to the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofa server apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a schematic flow ofinformation processing according to the third embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of a user apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elementsthat have substantially the same function and structure are denoted withthe same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of thesestructural elements is omitted.

Also, an explanation will be given in the following order.

-   1. First embodiment-   1.1. Outline-   1.2. Configuration of user apparatus-   1.3. Flow of processing-   1.4. Variation example-   2. Second embodiment-   2.1. Outline-   2.2. Configuration of user apparatus-   2.3. Flow of processing-   3. Third embodiment-   3.1. Outline-   3.2. Configuration of server apparatus-   3.3. Flow of processing-   4. Configuration of hardware-   5. Conclusion

1. First Embodiment [1.1 Outline]

First, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an outline of he firstembodiment of the present disclosure will be explained. According to thefirst embodiment, by a user apparatus, a user can check sound that isone-sidedly provided in an unexpected manner. That is, in the firstembodiment, the user apparatus is an example of an informationprocessing apparatus.

With reference to FIG. 1, an appearance of a user apparatus 100-1according to the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is anappearance view illustrating an example of the appearance of the userapparatus 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1,it illustrates the user apparatus 100-1, a user 10 of the user apparatus100-1 and headphones 20 which are connected to the user apparatus 100-1and used by the user 10.

The user apparatus 100-1 has a sound collector 110 and collects ambientsound by the sound collector 110. Also, by playing back sound data, theuser apparatus 100-1 provides sound to the user 10 via the headphones20. Also, the user apparatus 100-1 has an operating section 150 and, inresponse to a user input by the user 10 to the operating section 150,performs an operation corresponding to the input.

The user apparatus 100-1 is a smartphone, for example. Here, the userapparatus 100-1 is not limited to a smartphone but may be another userapparatus carried by the user 10, such as a mobile telephone terminaldifferent from the smartphone, a music player, a personal digitalassistance (PDA), an electronic book reader and a digital camera.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, by the userapparatus 100-1, the user 10 can check sound that is one-sidedlyprovided in an unexpected manner. This point will be explained below indetail with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is an explanation diagram for explaining an example of a usagescene of the user apparatus 100-1 according to the first embodiment.Referring to FIG. 2, first, in a scene 90 a, the user 10 listens tosound (e.g. music) played by the user apparatus 100-1 via the headphones20 in a train. At that time, sound to announce the next station isprovided as a train announcement. Next, in a scene 90 b, the user 10finds that he/she failed to hear the sound to announce the next station.Here, it is assumed that the user 10 wants to check which station thenext station is. Subsequently, in a scene 90 c, the user 10 performs auser input to the operating section 150 to check the sound which failedto be heard. As a result, in a scene 90 d, the user apparatus 100-1provides the user 10 with the sound provided as a train announcement,and the user 10 can know the next station.

In [1.2. Configuration of user apparatus], [1.3. Flow of processing] and[1.4. Variation example], specific content of the first embodiment willbe explained below.

[1.2. Configuration of User Apparatus]

With reference to FIG. 3, an example of the configuration of the userapparatus 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be explained.FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofthe user apparatus 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Referring toFIG. 3, the user apparatus 100-1 has the sound collector 110, anacquiring section 120, a recording section 130, a storing section 140,the operating section 150, a playback controlling section 160 and aplaying section 170. Here, the sound collector 110 is an example of asensor and the playback controlling section 160 is an example of acontrolling section.

(Sound Collector 110)

The sound collector 110 continuously collects ambient sound of the userapparatus 100-1. For example, the sound collector 110 converts thecontinuously-collected sound into an electric signal and outputs thiselectric signal to the acquiring section 120.

(Acquiring Section 120)

The acquiring section 120 continuously acquires sound data via the soundcollector 110. For example, the acquiring section 120 continuouslyacquires sound data by performing analog-to-digital conversion on theelectric signal from the sound collector 110. Subsequently, theacquiring section 120 outputs the sound data to the recording section130.

(Recording Section 130)

The recording section 130 records the sound data continuously acquiredvia the sound collector 110. For example, by causing the storing section140 to store the sound data from the acquiring section 120, therecording section 130 records the sound data. Thus, by recording thesound data continuously acquired in the user apparatus 100-1 carried bythe user 10, even if sound is one-sidedly provided in an unexpectedmanner, it is possible to record the sound.

Also, the recording section 130 causes a buffer having a predeterminedcapacity to continuously store sound data, and, after sound data of apredetermined capacity (or predetermined time period) is stored,overwrite older data and store new sound data. Thus, by overwritingolder data, it is possible to continuously record data in a limitedstorage capacity.

Also, for example, the recording section 130 records all sound datacontinuously acquired.

(Storing Section 140)

The storing section 140 stores information to be temporarily orpermanently held in the user apparatus 100-1. Especially, the storingsection 140 stores the sound data continuously acquired via the soundcollector 110. For example, the storing section 140 includes a buffer ofa predetermined capacity to store the sound data, and causes the bufferto store the sound data.

(Operating Section 150)

The operating section 150 accepts a user input by the user 10. Forexample, in response to a user input to play record sound data recordedby the recording section 130, the operating section 150 reports to theplayback controlling section 160 that the user input was made. Also, inresponse to a user input to stop the playback of the record sound data,the operating section 150 reports to the playback controlling section160 that the user input was made.

(Playback Controlling Section 160)

The playback controlling section 160 controls the playback of recordsound data recorded by the recording section 130. Here, in response to auser input, the playback controlling section 160 controls the recordsound data to be played from the timing predated with reference to thetiming of the user input. For example, when receiving a report from theoperating section 150 that a user input to play record sound data wasmade, the playback controlling section 160 acquires the record sounddata from the storing section 140 and outputs it to the playing section170. Subsequently, the playback controlling section 160 instructs theplaying section 170 that the timing predated with reference to thetiming of the user input is the playback start timing. Thus, by playingthe record sound data from the timing predated with reference to thetiming of the user input, even if the user 10 fails to hear soundone-sidedly provided in an unexpected manner, it is possible to hear andcheck the sound soon if the check is requested.

For example, the timing predated with reference to the timing of theuser input is the timing predated by a predetermined time period fromthe timing of the user input. For example, the playback controllingsection 160 performs control such that the record sound data is playedfrom the timing predated by 10 seconds from the timing of the userinput. Thus, if it is possible to determine a predetermined time periodbased on an estimation time period taken to make a user input after thesound is provided and the user 10 finds that he/she failed to hear that,the user 10 can hear the sound from the timing predated by thesufficient time period.

Also, for example, when receiving a report from the operating section150 that a user input to stop the playback of the record sound data wasmade, the playback controlling section 160 instructs the playing section170 to stop the playback.

(Playing Section 170)

The playing section 170 plays sound data. Especially, in response to theplayback control by the playback controlling section 160, the playingsection 170 plays the record sound data recorded by the recordingsection 130. For example, the playing section 170 plays the record sounddata from the playback controlling section 160, from the playback starttiming reported from the playback controlling section 160. In theplayback, for example, the playing section 170 performsdigital-to-analog conversion on the sound data and outputs an electricsignal to the headphones 20, Also, the playing section 170 stops theplayback according to the playback stop control by the playbackcontrolling section 160.

[1.3 Flow of Processing]

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of information processingaccording to the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 4 is aflowchart illustrating an example of a schematic flow of the informationprocessing according to the first embodiment.

First, in step S301, the sound collector 110 continuously collectsambient sound of the user apparatus 100-1. Next, in step S303, theacquiring section 120 continuously acquires sound data via the soundcollector 110.

Subsequently, in step S305, the recording section 130 decides whethersound data of a predetermined capacity (or predetermined time period) isalready recorded. In a case where the sound data of the predeterminedcapacity is already recorded, the processing proceeds to step S309.Otherwise, the processing proceeds to step S307.

In step S307, the recording section 130 records the sound datacontinuously acquired via the sound collector 110. Meanwhile, in stepS309, the recording section 130 overwrites older data and records newsound data.

In step S311, the playback controlling section 160 decides whether auser input to play record sound data was made. In a case where the userinput was made, the processing proceeds to step S313. Otherwise, theprocessing returns to step S301.

In step S313, the playback controlling section 160 controls a playbackof the record sound data recorded by the recording section 130. Here, inresponse to the user input, the playback controlling section 160performs control such that the record sound data is played from thetiming predated with reference to the timing of the user input. That is,the playing section 170 plays the record sound data according to theplayback control by the playback controlling section 160.

In step S315, the playback controlling section 160 decides whether auser input to stop the playback was made. In a case where the user inputwas made, the processing proceeds to step S317. Otherwise, theprocessing repeats step S315.

In step S317, the playback controlling section 160 instructs the playingsection 170 to stop the playback. Subsequently, the playing section 170stops the playback according to the playback control by the playbackcontrolling section 160.

[1.4. Variation Example]

Although an example of the first embodiment has been described above,the first embodiment is not limited to this.

VARIATION EXAMPLE 1

First, record sound data may include a plurality of parts (hereinafterreferred to as “chapters”) divided on the time axis. Also, the timingpredated with reference to the timing of a user input may be the starttiming of one of the multiple chapters, instead of the timing predatedby a predetermined time period from the timing of the user input. Thatis, the playback controlling section 160 may perform control such thatthe record sound data is played from the start timing of one of themultiple chapters. This point will be explained in detail with referenceto FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is an explanation diagram for explaining an example of recordsound data including a plurality of chapters divided on the time axis.Referring to FIG. 5, as illustrated in 5-1, for example, the recordsound data includes a plurality of chapters divided at predeterminedtime intervals. In this example, the predetermined time interval is 10seconds. Thus, by dividing it by the predetermined time period, it ispossible to hear sound from the time adequately predated from the timingof a user input, without complicated processing.

Also, as illustrated in 5-2, the record data may include a plurality ofchapters divided based on the data content. For example, the record datamay include a plurality of chapters divided based on the loudness orfrequency of sound included in the sound data. By dividing the recordsound data based on the sound loudness, for example, it is possible todivide the chapters at the timings the provided sound is interrupted, ordivide them into nonvoice chapters (e.g. chapters 1 and 3) and voicechapters (e.g. chapter 2). Therefore, it is possible to play the recordsound data from the timing (e.g. the start timing of chapter 2) predatedto immediately before the most-recently provided sound since a userinput, and check the most-recently provided sound. Also, for example, bydividing the record sound data based on the sound frequency, forexample, it is possible to divide the record sound data at the timing aspeaker of the provided sound changes. Therefore, it is possible to playthe record sound data from the timing predated to immediately before thestart of sound of the latest previous speaker, and check the sound ofthe speaker. As described above, by dividing the record sound data intochapters based on the data content, it is possible to rehear sound fromthe timing predated to immediately before the most-recently providedsound.

The timing predated from the user input may be the start timing of thelatest previous chapter to the user input among the multiple chaptersdivided on the time axis. By going back to the latest previous chapter,it is possible to quickly check the latest previous sound.

Also, when acquiring sound data, the acquiring section 120 may dividethe sound data into chapters. Alternatively, before recording sound dataor after recording sound data, the recording section 130 may divide thesound data into chapters. Here, for example, the record sound data isdivided into chapters by data division or by assigned informationindicating the timings of dividing the chapters.

VARIATION EXAMPLE 2

Second, the timing predated with reference to the timing of a user inputmay be the timing determined based on data content, instead of thetiming predated by a predetermined time period from the timing of theuser input. In this case, the predated timing is, for example, thetiming determined based on a detection result of keyword sound in thesound data. This point will be explained in detail with reference toFIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is an explanation diagram for explaining an example at the timingof a playback of record sound data. Referring to FIG. 6, as illustratedin 6-1, according to the example of the first embodiment describedabove, record sound data is played from the timing predated by apredetermined time period (e.g. 10 seconds before a user input) from thetiming of the user input. Meanwhile, as illustrated in 6-2, keyword(e.g. station name) sound in sound data may be detected and, based onthe detection result, record sound data may be played from, for example,the timing slightly before the latest previous keyword. Thus, by usingthe detection result of keyword sound, it is possible to perform aplayback from the timing before desired information is provided, andthereby rehear the desired information.

Also, the predated timing may be the timing determined based on theloudness or frequency of sound included in the sound data, instead ofthe timing determined based on the keyword detection result. Therefore,it is possible to acquire the same effect as in a case where the recordsound data is divided into a plurality of chapters based on the loudnessor frequency of sound.

VARIATION EXAMPLE 3

Third, for example, instead of recording all of continuously-acquiredsound data, the recording section 130 may record part of the sound data.Here, for example, the recorded sound data may be determined based onthe loudness or frequency of sound in the sound data. As an example, inthe continuously-acquired sound data, a part including sound of loudnessover a predetermined threshold is recorded. Also, as another example, inthe acquired sound data, a part including sound of a specific frequencyband is recorded. By such selective storage, it is possible to recordonly effective data. As a result, in a limited storage capacity, moreitems of effective data are recorded.

VARIATION EXAMPLE 4

Fourth, according to the type of a user input, the playback controllingsection 160 may determine the timing predated with reference to thetiming of the user input according to the type of a user input andperform control such that record sound data is played from thedetermined timing. As an example, in a case where a user input denotes apress of a specific button, the predated timing may be determinedaccording to the number of times the button is consecutively pressed.

For example, in 6-1 of FIG. 6, the timing predated by a time period (thenumber of times the button is pressed)×(10 seconds) from the timing ofthe user input may be determined. Therefore, by changing the user inputtype as requested, it is possible to rehear sound from a desired timing.

Also, by a further user input after a playback of record sound datastarts, the record sound data may be played from a further predatedtiming. For example, in 6-1 of FIG. 6, by the first user input, therecord sound data may be played from the timing predated by 10 secondsfrom the timing of the user input, and, by a second user input duringthe playback, the record sound data may be played from the timingpredated by 20 seconds from the timing of the first user input.Therefore, by a further user input, the user can rehear sound from adesired timing.

VARIATION EXAMPLE 5

Fifth, during a playback of record sound data, the recording section 130may record continuously-acquired sound data and the playback controllingsection 160 may perform control such that the record sound data may beplayed between the timing predated with reference to the timing of auser input and one of the timings after the timing of the user input.That is, the playback controlling section 160 may perform control so asto perform a follow-up playback to play recorded data in order.Therefore, the user can play sound data from the beginning while soundis being provided, and hear the sound from beginning to end.

(Others)

Also, instead of outputting record sound data to the playing section170, the playback controlling section 160 may instruct the playbackstart timing to the playing section 170 and the playing section 170 mayacquire the record sound data from the storing section 140.

Also, in addition to a stop of a playback of record sound data accordingto playback control by the playback controlling section 160, the playingsection 170 may automatically stop a playback of the record sound dataat a given timing. As an example, the playing section 170 may play therecord sound data until the timing of a user input and then stop theplayback.

Also, the sound collector 110, the acquiring section 120, the storingsection 140, the operating section 150 and the playing section 170 maybe set in another apparatus connected to the user apparatus 100-1.

Although the first embodiment has been described above, according to thefirst embodiment, the user 10 of the user apparatus 100-1 can checksound one-sidedly provided in an unexpected manner.

2. Second Embodiment [2.1. Outline]

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an outline of the second embodiment ofthe present disclosure will be explained. According to the secondembodiment, by a user apparatus, a user can check an image one-sidedlyprovided in an unexpected manner. In other words, although it ispossible to check sound in the first embodiment, it is possible to checkan image in the second embodiment. Also, in the second embodiment, theuser apparatus is an example of an information processing apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 7, an appearance of a user apparatus 100-2 accordingto the second embodiment will be explained. FIG. 7 is an appearance viewillustrating an example of the appearance of the user apparatus 100-2according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, it illustratesthe user apparatus 100-2, the user 10 of the user apparatus 100-2 and animaging apparatus 30 which is connected to the user apparatus 100-2 andattached near the eyes of the user 10. Here, an image pickup device ofthe imaging apparatus 30 is an example of a sensor.

The imaging apparatus 30 images a surrounding image. Also, by playingimage data, the user apparatus 100-2 displays an image on a displayingsection 180. Also, the user apparatus 100-2 has an operating section 150and, in response to a user input by the user 10 to the operating section150, performs an operation corresponding to the input.

Similar to the first embodiment, the user apparatus 100-2 is asmartphone, for example. Also, the user apparatus 100-2 may be anotheruser apparatus carried by the user 10.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, by the userapparatus 100-2, the user 10 can check an image one-sidedly provided inan unexpected manner. In [2.2. Configuration of user apparatus] and[2.3. Flow of processing], specific content of the second embodimentwill be explained below.

[2.2. Configuration of User Apparatus]

With reference to FIG. 8, an example of the configuration of the userapparatus 100-2 according to the second embodiment will be explained.FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configurationof the user apparatus 100-2 according to the second embodiment.Referring to FIG. 8, the user apparatus 100-2 has an acquiring section122, a recording section 132, a storing section 142, the operatingsection 150, a playback controlling section 162, a playing section 172and the displaying section 180. Here, the playback controlling section162 is an example of a controlling section.

Here, the operating section 150 is the same as the operating section 150of the first embodiment explained in [1.2. Configuration of userapparatus]. Also, the recording section 132, the storing section 142 andthe playback controlling section 162 are the same as the recordingsection 130, the storing section 140 and the playback controllingsection 160 of the first embodiment in [1.2. Configuration of userapparatus], except for a difference as to whether treated data is sounddata or image data. Therefore, an explanation will be given below withrespect to the acquiring section 122, the playing section 172 and thedisplaying section 180.

(Acquiring Section 122)

The acquiring section 122 continuously acquires image data via theimaging apparatus 30. For example, the acquiring section 122 acquiresimage data from the imaging apparatus 30. Subsequently, the acquiringsection 120 outputs the image data to the recording section 132.

(Playing Section 172)

The playing section 172 plays image data. Especially, according toplayback control by the playback controlling section 162, the playingsection 172 plays record image data recorded by the recording section132. For example, the playing section 172 plays record image data fromthe playback controlling section 162, from the playback start timingreported from the playback controlling section 162. In the playback, forexample, the playing section 172 converts the record image data into animage signal and outputs this image signal to the displaying section180. Also, according to the playback control by the playback controllingsection 162, the playing section 172 stops the playback.

(Displaying Section 180)

The displaying section 180 displays an image. Especially, the displayingsection 180 displays an image according to an image signal output fromthe playing section 172. That is, the displaying section 180 displays animage of record image data.

[2.3. Flow of Processing]

Next, referring to FIG. 9, an example of information processingaccording to the second embodiment will be explained. FIG. 9 is aflowchart illustrating an example of a schematic flow of the informationprocessing according to the second embodiment.

Here, steps S403, S405, S407, S409, S411, S415 and S417 are the same assteps S303, S305, S307, S309, S311, S315 and S317 of the firstembodiment in [1.3. Flow of processing], except for a difference as towhether treated data is sound data or image data. Therefore, steps S413and S419 will be explained below.

In step S413, the playback controlling section 162 controls a playbackof record image data recoded by the recording section 132. Here, inresponse to a user input, the playback controlling section 162 performscontrol such that the record image data is played from the timingpredated with reference to the timing of the user input. That is, theplaying section 172 plays the record image data according to theplayback control by the playback controlling section 162.

Next, in step S419, the displaying section 180 displays an imageaccording to an image signal output by the playing section 172.

Although an example of the second embodiment has been described above,the second embodiment is not limited to this. Each variation exampleexplained in [1.4. Variation example] is similarly applicable to thesecond embodiment. Also, by acquiring and recording sound data inaddition to image data in the second embodiment, examples of using sounddata content in (Variation example 1), (Variation example 2) and(Variation example 3) are applicable to the second embodiment.

Also, the acquiring section 122, the storing section 142, the operatingsection 150, the playing section 172 and the displaying section 180 maybe set in another apparatus connected to the user apparatus 100-2.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the user 10 ofthe user apparatus 100-2 can check an image one-sidedly provided in anunexpected manner.

3. Third Embodiment [3.1. Outline]

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an outline of the third embodiment ofthe present disclosure will be explained. According to the thirdembodiment, by a server apparatus, a user of a user apparatus can checksound one-sidedly provided in an unexpected manner. In other words,although it is possible to check sound by a user apparatus in the firstembodiment, it is possible to check sound by a server apparatus in thethird embodiment. That is, in the third embodiment, the server apparatusis an example of an information processing apparatus.

With reference to FIG. 10, a schematic configuration of an informationprocessing system 3 according to the third embodiment will be explained.FIG. 10 is an explanation diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of the information processing system 3 according to thethird embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, the information processingsystem 3 includes a user apparatus 100-3 and a server apparatus 200.Also, similar to the first embodiment, FIG. 10 illustrates the user 10and the headphones 20.

The user apparatus 100-3 has the sound collector 110 and collectsambient sound by the sound collector 110. Also, by playing sound data,the user apparatus 100-3 provides sound to the user 10 via theheadphones 20. Also, the user apparatus 100-3 has the operating section150 and, in response to a user input by the user 10 to the operatingsection 150, performs an operation corresponding to the input.

Especially, in the third embodiment, the user apparatus 100-3 transmitsto the server apparatus 200 sound data continuously acquired via thesound collector 110. Also, in response to a user input to play recordsound data, the user apparatus 100-3 transmits to the server apparatus200 report information to report that the user input was made(hereinafter referred to as “playback report information”). Similarly,in response to a user input to stop a playback of record sound data, theuser apparatus 100-3 transmits to the server apparatus 200 reportinformation to report that the user input was made (hereinafter referredto as “stop report information”).

Similar to the first embodiment, the user apparatus 100-3 is asmartphone, for example. Also, the user apparatus 100-3 may be anotheruser apparatus carried by the user 10.

The server apparatus 200 records sound data received from the userapparatus 100-3. Also, when receiving the playback report information orthe stop report information from the user apparatus 100-3, the serverapparatus 200 controls a playback of record sound data or stops theplayback control in the user apparatus 100-3.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, by the serverapparatus 200, the user 10 can check sound one-sidedly provided in anunexpected manner. In [3.2. Configuration of server apparatus] and [3.3.Flow of processing], specific content of the third embodiment will beexplained below.

[3.2. Configuration of Server Apparatus]

With reference to FIG. 11, an example of a configuration of the serverapparatus 200 according to the third embodiment will be explained. FIG.11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of theserver apparatus 200 according to the third embodiment. Referring toFIG. 11, the server apparatus 200 has a receiving section 210, arecording section 230, a storing section 240, a playback controllingsection 260 and a transmitting section 270. Here, the playbackcontrolling section 260 is an example of a controlling section.

Here, the recording section 230 and the storing section 240 are the sameas the recording section 130 and the storing section 140 of the firstembodiment explained in [1.2. Configuration of user apparatus], exceptfor recording or storing sound data acquired in a plurality of userapparatuses 100-3. Therefore, an explanation will be given below withrespect to the receiving section 210, the playback controlling section260 and the transmitting section 270.

(Receiving Section 210)

The receiving section 210 receives data transmitted to the serverapparatus 200. Especially, the receiving section 210 receives, from theuser apparatus 100-3, sound data continuously acquired via the soundcollector 110 in the user apparatus 100-3. Subsequently, it outputs thesound data to the recording section 230.

Also, the receiving section 210 receives playback report information orstop report information from the user apparatus 100-3. Subsequently, thereceiving section 210 outputs the report information to the playbackcontrolling section 260.

(Playback Controlling Section 260)

The playback controlling section 260 controls a playback of record sounddata recorded by the recording section 230 in the user apparatus 100-3.Here, in response to a user input in the user apparatus 100-3, theplayback controlling section 260 performs control such that the recordsound data is played from the timing predated with reference to thetiming of the user input. For example, when receiving playback reportinformation from the receiving section 210, the playback controllingsection 260 acquires record sound data from the storing section 240 andtransmits it to the user apparatus 100-3 via the transmitting section270. Subsequently, the playback controlling section 260 reports to theuser apparatus 100-3 the timing predated with reference to the timing ofthe user input as the playback start timing.

For example, the timing predated with reference to the timing of theuser input is the timing predated by a predetermined time period fromthe timing of the user input. For example, the playback controllingsection 260 performs control such that the record sound data is playedfrom the timing predated by 10 seconds from the timing of the userinput.

Also, for example, when receiving stop report information from thereceiving section 210, the playback controlling section 260 stops theplayback control.

Also, for example, the playback controlling section 260 controls aplayback of sound record data, which is acquired in the user apparatus100-3 and subsequently recorded, in the user apparatus 100-3. That is,the playback controlling section 260 performs control such that recordsound data acquired by a user apparatus 100-3 a is played in the userapparatus 100-3 a and record sound data acquired by a user apparatus100-3 b is played in the user apparatus 100-3 b.

(Transmitting Section 270)

The transmitting section 270 transmits data from the server apparatus200 to another apparatus. Especially, the transmitting section 270transmits record sound data from the playback controlling section 260 tothe user apparatus 100-3.

[3.3. Flow of Processing]

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, an example of information processingaccording to the third embodiment will be explained. FIG. 12 is aflowchart illustrating an example of a schematic flow of the informationprocessing according to the third embodiment.

Here, steps S505, S507 and S509 are the same as steps S305, S307 andS309 of the first embodiment in [1.3. Flow of processing], except forrecording sound data acquired in the plurality of user apparatuses100-3. Therefore, an explanation will be given below with respect tosteps S503, S511, S513, S515 and S517.

In step S503, the receiving section 210 receives, from the userapparatus 100-3, sound data continuously acquired via the soundcollector 110 in the user apparatus 100-3.

In step S511, the playback controlling section 260 determines whether auser input to play record sound data was made. In a case where the userinput was made, the processing proceeds to step S513. Otherwise, theprocessing returns to step S503.

In step S513, the playback controlling section 260 controls a playbackof record sound data recorded by the recording section 230 in the userapparatus 100-3. Here, in response to a user input, the playbackcontrolling section 260 performs control such that the record sound datais played from the timing predated with reference to the timing of theuser input. That is, in response to the playback control by the playbackcontrolling section 260, the user apparatus 100-3 receives and plays therecord sound data.

In step S515, it is determined whether a user input to stop the playbackof the record sound data was made. In a case where the user input wasmade, the processing proceeds to step S517. Otherwise, the processingrepeats step S515.

In step S517, when receiving stop report information from the receivingsection 210, the playback controlling section 260 stops the playbackcontrol.

Although an example of the third embodiment has been described above,the third embodiment is not limited to this. Each variation exampleexplained in [1.4. Variation example] is similarly applicable to thethird embodiment. Also, similar to the second embodiment, in the thirdembodiment, image data may be acquired, recorded and played instead ofor together with sound data.

Also, continuously acquired sound data may be acquired by the first userapparatus 100-3 a and a playback of record sound data may be performedby the second user apparatus 100-3 b. In this case, the second userapparatus 100-3 b may be located within a predetermined distance fromthe first user apparatus 100-3 a. Thus, by playing sound data acquiredin one user apparatus 100-3 a by another user apparatus 100-3b, even theuser apparatus 100-3 b that has not acquired sound data or the userapparatus 100-3 b that is difficult to acquire sound data can play thesound data from the timing predated with reference to the timing of auser input. Also, when these user apparatuses 100-3 are located inpositions close to each other, even the user apparatus 100-3 b that hasnot acquired sound data or the user apparatus 100-3 b that is difficultto acquire sound data can play record sound data in the same way as in acase where the own apparatus acquires the sound data. Here, instead ofthe user apparatus 100-3 a, for example, an apparatus set in apredetermined position (e.g. apparatus set in a vehicle or facility) mayacquire the sound data.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the user 10 ofthe user apparatus 100-3 can check sound one-sidedly provided in anunexpected manner.

4. Hardware Configuration

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, an example of a hardware configurationof the user apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will beexplained. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of thehardware configuration of the user apparatus 100 according to thepresent embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the user apparatus 100 has aCPU 601, a ROM 603, a RAM 605, a bus 607, a storing apparatus 609, acommunication apparatus 611, an input/output interface 613, a displayingapparatus 615 and a microphone 617.

The CPU functions as a computation processing apparatus and controlapparatus, and controls all or part of operations in the user apparatus100 according to various programs recorded in the ROM 603, the RAM 605or the storing apparatus 609. Also, the ROM 603 stores a program orcomputation parameter used by the CPU 601. Also, the RAM 605 is used asa work memory to develop a program at the time of program execution inthe CPU 601 or as a buffer memory to temporarily store data.

The bus 607 mutually connects the CPU 601, the ROM 603 and the RAM 605.Further, the storing apparatus 609, the communication apparatus 611, theinput/output interface 613, the displaying apparatus 615 and themicrophone 617 are connected to the bus 607.

The storing apparatus 609 stores, for example, basic software such as anOS, and various kinds of data such as an application. Here, as a storagemedium, for example, there are a magnetic storage medium such as a harddisk, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read. OnlyMemory) and a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, but it is notlimited to these.

The communication apparatus 611 is a communication unit held by the userapparatus 100 and performs wireless/wired communication with an externalapparatus via a network (or directly). Here, as the communicationapparatus 611, for example, there are a communication antenna and an RFcircuit (wireless communication), an IEEE 802.15.1 port and atransmission/reception circuit (wireless communication), an IEEE 802.11bport and a transmission/reception circuit (wireless communication) or anLAN terminal and a transmission/reception circuit (wired communication),but it is not limited to these.

The input/output interface 613 connects, for example, the headphones 20and the imaging apparatus 30. Here, as the input/output interface 613,for example, there are an USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal and anHDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, it is not limitedto these.

The displaying apparatus 615 displays an image. As the displayingapparatus 615, for example, there are an LCD and an organic ElectroLuminance display, but it is not limited to these.

The microphone 617 collects ambient sound of the user apparatus 100.

Although the hardware configuration of the user apparatus 100 has beendescribed above, the hardware configuration is applicable as theconfiguration of the server apparatus 200.

5. Conclusion

The user apparatus 100 and the server apparatus 200 according to theembodiments of the present disclosure have been described above usingFIG. I to FIG. 13. According to the present embodiment, by acquiring,recording and playing continuous data via a sensor, it is possible tocheck information such as sound and image one-sidedly provided in anunexpected manner.

Also, for example, record data is played from the timing predated by apredetermined time period from the timing of a user input. Therefore, ifit is possible to determine a predetermined time period suitable to atime period taken to make a user input after information such as soundand image is provided and it is found that it is failed to be heard orwatched, the user 10 can hear the information such as sound and imagefrom the timing predated by the sufficient time period.

Alternatively, for example, record data includes a plurality of chaptersdivided on the time axis and the record data is played from the starttiming of one of the multiple chapters. For example, when chapters aredivided at predetermined time intervals, it is possible to rehear soundfrom the time adequately predated from the timing of a user input,without complicated processing. Alternatively, for example, if chaptersare divided based on data content, it is possible to rehear sound fromthe timing predated to immediately before the most-recently providedsound.

Also, for example, record data is played from the timing determinedbased on data content. Therefore, it is possible to perform a playbackfrom the timing before desired information is provided, and therebyrehear the desired information.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

For example, each step in the information processing in the presentspecification may not be processed in chronological order along theorder described in the flowcharts. For example, each step in theinformation processing may be processed in different order from theorder described in the flowcharts or processed in parallel.

Also, regarding hardware such as a CPU. ROM and RAM included in a userapparatus or server apparatus, it is possible to create a computerprogram to achieve the same function as that of each configuration ofthe user apparatus or server apparatus. Also, a storage medium storingthe computer program is provided.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

-   (1) An information processing apparatus including:

a recording section recording data continuously acquired via a sensor;and

a controlling section controlling a playback of record data recorded bythe recording section,

wherein, in response to a user input, the controlling section performscontrol such that the record data is played from a timing predated withreference to a timing of the user input.

-   (2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), wherein    the predated timing is a timing predated by a predetermined time    period from the timing of the user input.-   (3) The information processing apparatus according to (1),

wherein the record data includes a plurality of parts divided on a timeaxis; and

wherein the predated timing is a start timing of any one of theplurality of parts.

-   (4) The information processing apparatus according to (3), wherein    the predated timing is a start timing of a part closest to the    timing of the user input among the plurality of parts.-   (5) The information processing apparatus according to (3) or (4),    wherein the record data includes a plurality of parts divided at    predetermined time intervals.-   (6) The information processing apparatus according to (3) or (4),    wherein the record data includes a plurality of parts divided based    on data content.-   (7) The information processing apparatus according to (6),

wherein the sensor includes a sound collector;

wherein the data continuously acquired includes sound data; and

wherein the record data includes a plurality of parts divided based on aloudness or frequency of sound included in the sound data.

-   (8) The information processing apparatus according to (1), wherein    the predated timing is a timing determined based on data content.-   (9) The information processing apparatus according to (8),

wherein the sensor includes a sound collector;

the data continuously acquired includes sound data; and

the predated timing is a timing determined based on a detection resultof keyword sound in the sound data.

-   (10) The information processing apparatus according to any one    of (1) to (9), wherein, in response to a type of the user input, the    controlling section determines a timing predated with reference to    the timing of the user input and performs control such that the    record data is played from the determined timing.-   (11) The information processing apparatus according to any one    of (1) to (10),

wherein the recording section records the data continuously acquired,even during a playback of the record data; and

wherein the controlling section performs control such that the recorddata is played between a timing predated with reference to the timing ofthe user input and one of timings after the user input.

-   (12) The information processing apparatus according to any one    of (1) to (11), wherein the recording section records part of the    data continuously acquired.-   (13) The information processing apparatus according to any one    of (1) to (12),

wherein the data continuously acquired is acquired by a first apparatus;and

the playback of the record data is performed by a second apparatus.

-   (14) The information processing apparatus according to (13), wherein    the second apparatus is located within a predetermined distance from    the first apparatus.-   (15) The information processing apparatus according to any one    of (1) to (14),

wherein the sensor includes at least one of a sound collector and animage pickup device; and

wherein the data continuously acquired includes sound data when thesensor includes the sound collector, and includes image data when thesensor includes the image pickup device.

-   (16) A program that causes a computer to function as:

a recording section recording data continuously acquired via a sensor;and

a controlling section controlling a playback of record data recorded bythe recording section,

wherein, in response to a user input, the controlling section performscontrol such that the record data is played from a timing predated withreference to a timing of the user input.

-   (17) An information processing method including:

recording data continuously acquired via a sensor; and

controlling a playback of record data recorded,

wherein, in response to a user input, the controlling includescontrolling to play the record data from a timing predated withreference to a timing of the user input.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosedin Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2011-261519 filed in theJapan Patent Office on Nov. 30, 2011, the entire content of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus comprising: arecording section recording data continuously acquired via a sensor; anda controlling section controlling a playback of record data recorded bythe recording section, wherein, in response to a user input, thecontrolling section performs control such that the record data is playedfrom a timing predated with reference to a timing of the user input. 2.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thepredated timing is a timing predated by a predetermined time period fromthe timing of the user input.
 3. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the record data includes a plurality ofparts divided on a time axis; and wherein the predated timing is a starttiming of any one of the plurality of parts.
 4. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predated timingis a start timing of a part closest to the timing of the user inputamong the plurality of parts.
 5. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein the record data includes a plurality ofparts divided at predetermined time intervals.
 6. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the record dataincludes a plurality of parts divided based on data content.
 7. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein thesensor includes a sound collector; wherein the data continuouslyacquired includes sound data; and wherein the record data includes aplurality of parts divided based on a loudness or frequency of soundincluded in the sound data.
 8. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the predated timing is a timing determinedbased on data content.
 9. The information processing apparatus accordingto claim 8, wherein the sensor includes a sound collector; the datacontinuously acquired includes sound data; and the predated timing is atiming determined based on a detection result of keyword sound in thesound data.
 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim1, wherein, in response to a type of the user input, the controllingsection determines a timing predated with reference to the timing of theuser input and performs control such that the record data is played fromthe determined timing.
 11. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the recording section records the datacontinuously acquired, even during a playback of the record data; andwherein the controlling section performs control such that the recorddata is played between a timing predated with reference to the timing ofthe user input and one of timings after the user input.
 12. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein therecording section records part of the data continuously acquired. 13.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thedata continuously acquired is acquired by a first apparatus; and theplayback of the record data is performed by a second apparatus.
 14. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein thesecond apparatus is located within a predetermined distance from thefirst apparatus.
 15. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a sound collectorand an image pickup device; and wherein the data continuously acquiredincludes sound data when the sensor includes the sound collector, andincludes image data when the sensor includes the image pickup device.16. A program that causes a computer to function as: a recording sectionrecording data continuously acquired via a sensor; and a controllingsection controlling a playback of record data recorded by the recordingsection, wherein, in response to a user input, the controlling sectionperforms control such that the record data is played from a timingpredated with reference to a timing of the user input.
 17. Aninformation processing method comprising: recording data continuouslyacquired via a sensor; and controlling a playback of record datarecorded, wherein, in response to a user input, the controlling includescontrolling to play the record data from a timing predated withreference to a timing of the user input.